First Lady Empowers 250 PWDs in Anambra With N200,000 Each, Urges New Ventures and Income Growth
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday empowered 250 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State with N200,000 each to support and expand their businesses, urging them to boost their income and explore new ventures.
The intervention was carried out under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme of the First Lady and was rolled out simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Nationwide, the programme targeted 9,500 beneficiaries, with a cumulative disbursement of N1.9 billion aimed at strengthening the economic independence of vulnerable groups.
Delivering the First Lady’s message, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluchi Ibezim, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth and ensures that no Nigerian is left behind.
According to her, persons living with disabilities are often among the most marginalised in society, hence the deliberate focus on their empowerment.
“This empowerment is not charity; it is an investment in your abilities, your dreams and your rightful place in society,” she said.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind by strengthening economic independence for vulnerable groups. Under RHI, more than 100,000 women petty traders, small business owners and PWDs have been supported with financial grants in the last two years.
“It has also provided assistance to victims of floods, communal conflicts, disasters, the elderly, widows and orphans of fallen heroes. In addition, the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme has delivered food items to 22 states and the FCT.”
Senator Tinubu, through her representatives, urged the beneficiaries to use the funds to expand existing businesses, establish new ventures and improve their overall income-earning capacity.
Also speaking at the event, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, advised the beneficiaries to invest the funds judiciously in order to build sustainable sources of livelihood and become economically independent.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra Chapter, Mr. Ugochukwu Okeke, commended the First Lady for her compassion and for prioritising PWDs in the empowerment drive.
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He also praised Dr. Nonye Soludo for ensuring the smooth and effective implementation of the programme in the state.
Okeke encouraged the beneficiaries to make responsible use of the grants, stressing that their success would demonstrate that empowerment initiatives can deliver measurable and lasting impact.
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